Torpedo-director



P 33-236 ma 193629683 5R 1 ,362,683, K Patented Dec. 21, 1920.

2 SHEETS-SHEET lv INVENTOR Ml m Arromvzv A. DEL SOLAR.

TORPEDO DIRECTOR.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. e. 1911.

1,362,683. Patented Dec. 21, 1920.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2- IIWIIlIIIlIlIIIIIIIIIII/I gigfrw 3 w PATENT QFFICE.

UNETEE STATES ARISTIIDES DEL SOLAR, 015 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR'IO ALFRED R.

SHRIGLEY, TRUSTEE, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

TOBPEDO-DIRECTOR.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 21, 1920.

Application filed September 6, 1917. Serial No. 190,030.

course bar, so-called, is to be set and maintained parallel with thecourse of the enemy which, considered in the instrument itself, amountsto an angular adjustment in relation to the fore and aft line of theship firing 28' the torpedo.

One of the difficulties in handling any such instrument is the matter ofconstant adjustment and re-adjustment made neces sary by variation incourse of the ship.

This is true of any ship, and particularly true of a submarine. Unlessadjustment is immediately and accurately made for every movement of theship from its course, the accuracy of the aim is correspondinglydisturbed and the torpedo misses its mark.

The constant adjustment of the enemy course bar involves the presence ofan extra man and makes it necessary to watch each deviation from course,correct the setting of the enemy course bar, or all substantialdeviations from course, and vary the enemy course bar for all slightdeviations. This introduces a serious possibility of error, especiallyunder service conditions, and particularly in case a submarine isoperating submerged.

It is only necessary to bear in mind that the captain of the torpedoboat or submarine in maneuvering for position or in avoiding the enemysfire will be required to change his mind from moment to moment and tovary his course with no time to make his changes known to the operatorof the torpedo director. The same thing is true,

although to a somewhat less degree of course,

where through the manipulation of the steering wheel almostimperceptible changes in heading are made which, while hardly noticeablet0 the heading observer, may seriously affect the line of sight.

I My present invention involves maintainmg of the position of the enemycourse bar parallel to the course of the enemy, independently of itsrelation to the fore and aft line of the ship, so that whether thecourse be varied or whether the course be altered, it wlll constantlyand continuously maintain its factor in the angular set of the sightbar, as long as the enemys course is unchanged.

The construction of my device and its operation will be fully describedin the specification which follows. Throughout the specification anddrawings like reference numerals will be employed to indicatecorresponding parts, and in the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a torpedo director in accordance with byinvention, the parts being arbitrarily moved to more clearly exposeunderlying construction.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section through my device.

In illustration and explanation of my device I have shown it equippedwith the secondary sight circle for below deck use.

In the present form of my invention I pr0- vide a base U which may befixed in any suitable place, and upon which is mounted a casing V havinga cylindrical stem 0) fastened centrally of the base U. 011 the stem 0is rotatably mounted as a bearing, a collar to of an arm D provided witha lock screw W by which it may be permanently set on the base U. Thebase U is graduated at A on which the end Q02 of the arm w reads as apointer.

The graduated circle A is the torpedo circle which is in the form shownscaled from zero to 180 in both directions, the zero and the 180 markbeing set in the true fore and aft line of the keel of the ship with thezero mark toward the bow thereof. This circle will therefore read intrue angular relation to the fore and aft line of the ship.

The bar D which is termed the torpedo bar is intended to be set at theangle of the tube from which the torpedo is to be discharged, or at theangle the gyro is set, and it therefore lies parallel to the course ofthe torpedo in the water. The end of the torpedo bar is extendedupwardly at 03 above the level of the base flange b and then returnedradially inward over itself, as at F. The part F is graduated from itsinner end outwardly as at H, these graduations reading in knots per hourand indicating the speed of different torpedoes so that the slide G maybe set by the screw 9 for the speed of the particular torpedo which isto be discharged.

Upon the casing V is fixed the plate B which is formed as a shallowdished member provided with a surrounding lip or flange b. 011 thecentral stud E and bearing on a shoulder e thereof is mounted an arm Kwhich is termed the enemy bar. This bar is intended to be disposedparallel to the course of the enemy ship against which the torpedo is tobe directed. The bar K is provided at its outward end with a projectingplate is and an opening 78 through which the graduations of the sightcircle I are visible. Within the opening 71: is mounted a piece L whichis held by a set screw Z to the head 70, so as to be movable therewithwhen otherwise restrained.

These graduations of the sight circle I are preferably numbered in twusual navigation series I and 1 which permit the reading to be reportedin terms of quarter or in terms of angle to the north.

The en myxhaiLKisgraduated at lgnfromh the center outwardly inindication of knots per hgur, so that the slide which is, ifioiiiitedthereon ma be s''t for the speed of enemy hip The slide M is held by amm liead screw gn and carries on a raised post m a guide piece N whichis swiveled on the post m Carried on a post on the slide block G whichis locked by a screw 9 is the sight bar 0. This sight bar 0 passesthrough the slidmblonlnNmand gives the alinement for the p(intinthe-enifijifii iifisewhich p st geelipratth h ir n ofdisc'harge"ofjtlije .torpedo in order that thet'orpedoin ay intercept the enemyship.

Mounted on a further extension of the post 9 of the slide G is a pointerarm P adjustable relative to the bar 0 through a screw R with agraduated head R and a scale R which provides for correction of tidalinfluence on the torpedo and forthe angle of parallaxresultant,from. theangua sv jfilsitgiills...torJ2elQran the jfa'rallax'error due to thedistance of the torpedo tube from the director.

In the instrument thus far described, if properly set and handled, thebar 0 points to the position which the enemy ship must occupy at themoment of discharge of the torpedo in order to make a hit. If providedwith a telescope, the ship would be so sighted. In below deck use it isobvious that an actual sighting of this bar 0 cannot be had.Furthermore, in all usual submarine structures it is not convenient andusually impossible to place the center of the instrument in the verticalaxisof the periscope, so that the angle of the tube to the center of theperiscope is no longer the true angle of that tube to the center ofsight in the instrument, and the instrument reading must therefore becorrected by an adjustment.

For this purpose the end of the bar P is carried up as a. pointer 29 forreference to a second circle S mounted on a spoked carrier T which has asupplemental part T adapted to overlie the inner flange s of the circleS in assemblage. The carrier T is fixed on the squared top of the studextension 9 and is formed as an upper and lower plate T and T betweenthe peripheries of which is movably mounted the ring S.

The ring S has a double series of graduations S and S The outer one Sadjacent the pointer 29 has graduations corresponding to the sightcircle I, but graduated from opposite points, to wit, clockwise fromzero to 360 with the zero at six oclock of the clock face and with itszero-180 line always parallel with the fore and aft line of the ship.This provides for the correct reading of the pointer 29 which will thusindicate on the scale S that degree of enemy position which would beindicated by a pointer radially run from the center of the periscopeparallel to the sight bar 0, which would thus cut the circle of sight Sat the true degree of horizon which would correspond with the reading ofthe periscope.

The scale S is on the outer face of the circle S which is slightlybeveled, while concentrically within it on the flattened top of the ringis a set of graduations S reading from zero to 180 in both directions,which are read referable to a pointer mark U arbitrarily located on oneof the spokes of the carrier T The scale S provides for a correctivesetting of the secondary sight circle S according to the angle of thetorpedo correction made by moving the bar D.

The exact location of this pointer is immaterial except that it and thescale should be so disposed that when zero of the scale S is oppositethe pointer mark U the secondary sight circle S should have its Zero atsix oclock of the instrument, or in other words on the aft end of thefore and aft axis of the instrument.

In case the torpedo tube is not a bow tube, as the example for which thearrangement shown in Fig. 1. is set, then obviously setting the torpedobar D at the angle of the torpedo tube will vary the sight bar 0 fromthat position which it would occupy if the torpedo tube was a bow tube.For example, if the torpedo was to be fired from a starboard bow tubeset at T5". then the torpedo bar I) would be turned to the starboardhalf way between the 40 and 50 mark, which would of course move thesight bar 0 laterally inasmuch as it is pivotally mounted on the torpedobar D.

In order therefore to correct what would otherwise be an error in thereading of the pointer P the secondary sight circle S is so moved in thedirection opposite to that in which the torpedo bar D has been moveduntil the inner graduations S show half way between the 40 and 50opposite the pointer U. This will correct the reading of the pointer Pon the secondary sight graduations S which will then indicate the exactdegree of horizon on which the enemy ship must be sighted to make thehit.

The above constitute the general operations and adjustments, but thereare at least two other factors for which adjustment must be made. Theseare the resultant drift of the torpedo in case of cross tide or thelike, and secondly the angle of parallax which is variant depending uponthe distance of the enemy ship and the distance from the director to thetube or the radial distance for a torpedo under gyro control or theresultant of any or all three.

These three corrections may be made by separate adjustment or by asingle net adjustment of the pointer bar P relative to the sight bar 0.This will add or subtract from the scale reading just that amountnecessary to allow for the drift or angle or the net correction of thetube. In the form shown I accomplish this by the adjustment screw valveR having a Vernier head and scale R R It will be borne in mind that asthp torpedo has a limit of range, it is necessary that the point in theenemys course at which the enemy ship is sighted when the torpedo is tobe fired may be too great to effect a hit. The distance at which theenemy ship may be sighted when the torpedo is fired depends upon itsdistance at that moment, and the relation of its course to that whichthe torpedo is to take. If the "interception of the line of the enemyscourse with the line of the torpedos course is at a point in excess ofthe range of the torpedo, no hit would be effected and the torpedo lost.

It therefore becomes necessary to know at the moment when the enemy shipis sighted, and it is desired to launch the torpedo, whether the enemyship is at a distance so that it will be within the range of the torpedoif fired. As different torpedoes have different ranges and differentspeeds, it is necessary to have means by which these facts may bedetermined. This I accomplish by longitudinally channeling the sight bar0 with an undercut grooving 00 within which may he slipped a strip ofcard board or celluloid 0 I provide as many of these slips as there aretorpedoes of different range or speed, either or both, or: blank stripsof celluloid may be provided so that they may be graduated for anytorpedo. Each strip 0 has an indication of the range and speed of thetorpedo with which it is to be used, and I scale each strip according tothe range and speed of the torpedo. These scales are to be read withreference to a pointer mark O on the slide N of the enemy course bar.

Vhen the instrument has been properly set with the proper scale 0 inplace, the ofiicer in charge of the instrument while waiting fortheenemy ship to come into the indicated position when the torpedo mustbe discharged, notes the enemys distance as reported to him. Byreference to the position of the pointer O on the scale 00 he is able tojudge in advance whether the enemy ship will probably be within range,and if at the moment of fire the enemy ship is announced to be at adistance greater than the limit indicated on the scale 0 he willwithhold the discharge of the torpedo and wait until on anotheradjustment the enemy appears on the point of sight and within range.

By locating the scale on the sight bar, I am able on account of itsguided relation on the slide N on the enemy course bar K to use agraduated scale which will show for the actual speed of the torpedo asset on the scale H of the bar D the limit of actual distance withinwhich the enemy must be at the time of point of sight in order to havethe enemy ship within the actual range of the torpedo on its course,

This scaling may be very simply effected by measuring the distancebetween the center of the pivot post E and the center of the pivot postof the slide G on the torpedo bar D with said slide set with the givenspeed of the torpedo. This distance is measured off and marked on thecard from the center of the pivot post 9 so that when the card is inplace the maximum range at the given speed indicated on the strip willbe the same distance from the center of the post as the post 9 is fromthe center of the post E.

This distance on the strip representing the known limit of range inyards, may be subdivided and the various proportional ranges marked off.Where the graduations for the enemy course bar begin laterally of thepivot E, as is preferable so that the slide may be brought to zero for astraight ahead shot without interfering with the post E, then care mustbe taken in measuring the distance between the points to provide for theslight correction which would be thus required.

As this calculation is perfectly simple the strips furnished with mydevice may be marked off by the torpedo officer for the speeds andranges of torpedoeswhich he carries in his torpedo equipment.

With the above understanding of the construction and operation of mydevice it will be seen that if the enemy bar K be in true parallelismwith the course of the enemy at the moment of discharge, a hit should becertain. As heretofore pointed out, considerable difficult isexperienced in keeping a turn and the accuracy of the torpedo iscorrespondingly increased.

here the north is the point of control selected, it is obvious that theangles of my ship s0 steadily on its course that the pretorpedo directorbecome relatively compass determined angle of the enemy course isangles, and the scales I and I may be read concentrated. In other words,each variain compass indications by locking the tortion of the torpedocarrier tends to bring pedo bar D- in the fore and aft line of the theenemy course bar K out of its position ship and swinging the enemycourse bar K of parallelism to the enemy course. Even into parallelismwith it in which position slight variations due to current or the slightit may be locked by turning up the ears X movement in the steering gearmay produce 0n the end of the enemy course bar. a variation fromparallel which multiplied The cars X may be set in either position by bythe considerable distance of range promeans of a screw 09. The screw wwhen set duces a serious error. up to tighten its clamp enters a recessin Furthermore, considerable variation of the cross piece of the ears Xand must therecourse i ll e ary, sp ially in fore be released to freethe plate B before action, and even these deliberate variations the earsX can be turned up when the dein emergencies and under excitement arevice is to be used as a compass. difficult to report accurately and tomake 11611 in this position with the screw Z adjustment fall properly. Itherefore have released, the plate 13 is free to rotate under madeprovision for automatic compensation its control so that the compassindications for variation from the determined course, may e read fromthe pointer L of the so that the enemy bar K will be maintained enemybar, which has been set to point toin parallelism with the enemy courseregardward the bow of the ship and hence points less of the swinging ofthe ship. the course. In this manner the bearings I accomplish this byfloating that portion may be taken or verified at any time by any of myapparatus which relates to the enemy ofiicerat any torpedo station orship. course, to wit, the scaled plate B and enemy Various modificationsin the parts, their course bar K, so that it may move indemountings andgraduations may obviously edently of the base V which is of course emade, all without departing from the in fixed relation to the ship. Thecontrol spirit of my invention if within the limits of these floatingelements may be variously 0f the appended claims, and likewise myineifected, but it is preferably controlled with vention may be used orapplied in use other relation to a fixed and variable point, such wisethan as specified. :2, as the true north. What I therefore claim anddesire to se- For the purpose of illustration, and as a cure by LettersPatent is: highly eflicient means of effecting this result, 1. In atorpedo director, a graduated base I have shown and located within thecasing circle, a second graduated circle adjustably V the mechanism of agyro compas s rep rter, mounted thereon, a graduated slide member suchas is used witlfjjlifg'fyiiiscopic co nt ridlpivoted to and radiallyadjustable with reiif'a sliipsffs y and whicli coiisists of spect tosaid base circle and circumferentlie fiib tiveelements which, throughsuitable train of gearing, not necessary to be shown, rotates the plateB and with it the enemy bar K which has been fixed inanypredeautgmatically maintaining said first nang ed 1 l 0 termined initialposition by the set screw 1.

tially adjustable with respect to the second circle, a polnter barpivotally connected to the last named slide member, and means forslidriinen lger in const'i'nt relafion to antar- As here shown a shaftl,which is prefery selected polnt of control vum.Wm,V ably hollow toaccommodate the lead Wires "'Qil Iii atorpedodirector:a graduated basfor the magnets is journaled in suitable bearcircle, a second graduatedcircle adjustably ings in the casing V. Fast on shaft 1 is a mountedthereon, a graduated slide member 15 spider or other appropriatesupport,2 for pivoted to and radially adjustablewith rea plurality ofelectro-magnets 3, which are spect to said base circle andcircumferenadapted to cooperate with an armature 4 tially adjustablewith respect to the second mounted upon and insulated from thecascircle, a second slide member radially ading V. justable 'FrTthe basecircle, a ointer bar l ZO As the mot iy e ele men t is rotated by thepivotally connected to the last named slide transmitted impul fthehcentralhcoii member and slidably and pivotally conllief'p late"'Bivill'fbe Eli QYQWHQG i, ected to the other slide member, a loclgifor'tidii of theis hip; from cp ugs e andthe fixing said first-named slideto saicTadjustenemy hearse bar K th'u's shifted to effect a ably mountedcircle, and means for adjustreadjustment of the sight bar 0. In thismanner the enemy course bar is kept constantly parallel to whateverangle she may ably rotating said adjustably mounted circle to maintainits position relative to an arbitrarily selected point of control.

aeoeetzrszom. seismic 3. In a torpedo director, a graduated base circle,a second graduated circle adjustably mounted thereon, a graduated slidemember pivoted to and radially adjustable with respect to said basecircle and circumferentially adjustable with respect to the secondcircle, a second slide member radially adjustable on the base circle, apointer bar pivotally connected to the last named slide member andslidably and pivotally connected to the other slide member, and meansfor maintaining said first named slide member in a fixed direction inazimuth.

4:. In a torpedo director, a graduated circle, a slide adjustablerelative thereto, an element of constant directive tendency, and anoperative connection between said element and said slide for maintainingsaid slide in a fixed direction in azimuth.

5. A torpedo director, a graduated circle, agraduated slide adjustablerelative thereto, means for locking said slide to said circle, anelement of constant directive tendency, and an operative connectionbetween said element and said slide for maintaining said slide in afixed direction in azimuth.

6. In a torpedo director, relatively adjustable graduated circles, meansfor setting said circles in a predetermined relation, and a controlmechanism of constant directive tendency for adjustably maintaining saidcircles in a fixed direction in azimuth.

7. In a torpedo director, a graduated circle and a slide adjustablerelative thereto, and means for adjustably maintaining said slide in afixed direction in azimuth.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

ARISTIDES DEL SOLAR. Witnesses:

MARION F. WVEIss, AGNES V. OC'ONNELL.

